Key Considerations When Choosing an Architect for Your Lab Design Project
- mbharch
- Jun 26
- 3 min read
When launching a laboratory design or renovation, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is selecting the right architect. Whether you’re planning a bioscience lab, a pharmaceutical R&D facility, or a clinical diagnostics space, your architect’s expertise will directly impact the safety, efficiency, and long-term success of your lab.
In an AIA-approved OnDemand webinar, MBH Architects’ experts Eddie Hall and Tammy Ng explored what to look for in a lab design architect. Their insights serve as a roadmap for life science organizations seeking to make the most of their capital investments.
Here are five essential factors to keep in mind.
Why Lab Projects Require Specialized Architects
Laboratories are unlike any other building type. From ventilation systems and chemical storage to cleanroom workflows and regulatory requirements, designing a lab involves deep technical expertise. Architects who specialize in life science and laboratory spaces understand these complexities—and how to solve for them.
As Tammy Ng, a project manager with extensive lab experience, explains, “Every project is going to be unique and different. That’s where the opportunity for innovative design really comes in.”
Communication Starts with the RFP
Strong communication is the foundation of a successful lab project. That begins the moment you issue a Request for Proposal (RFP). A thoughtful, tailored response to your RFP shows the architect is engaged, prepared, and truly understands your goals.
“If you get a generic proposal,” notes Eddie Hall, studio director at MBH, “that’s a sign of poor communication already.”
Look for an architect who asks smart questions, offers clear answers, and outlines a process that aligns with your internal decision-making.
Evaluate Lab Design Qualifications and Relevant Experience
Not all architects are equipped to design labs. When evaluating candidates, ask about their past experience with similar lab types—whether BSL-2+ spaces, dry labs, vivariums, or teaching labs. Review their portfolio and ask about lessons learned on past projects.
Life science facilities must be both functional and flexible, able to adapt to new workflows, equipment, and compliance standards. Architects with lab-specific experience will anticipate challenges others might miss.
Project Management and Technical Deliverables
Designing a lab requires precision. Look for firms that deliver clear, complete, and biddable construction documents—not just beautiful renderings. This ensures contractors can build from the documents without guesswork, reducing delays and change orders.
“You want a firm that prides itself on quality control early and often throughout the design process,” says Tammy Ng.
Ask about their workflow, use of Building Information Modeling (BIM), and how they coordinate across disciplines.
Quality Assurance After the Build
Your relationship with an architect shouldn’t end at project handoff. The best firms stay involved post-occupancy, providing walkthroughs and evaluating performance.
At MBH, Eddie Hall explains, “We hold those walks with the contractor, the engineers, and the end users so that we understand from multiple perspectives what worked and what we could improve for the next project.”
That level of follow-through helps ensure the lab performs as intended—and sets you up for future success.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications should I look for in a lab design architect?
Look for architects with experience designing scientific or bioscience facilities, knowledge of safety and compliance standards, and a proven track record managing complex, technical projects.
How can I ensure my lab design stays on budget?
Align expectations early, involve experienced cost consultants, and choose architects who offer value engineering strategies. Make sure lifecycle costs are part of the discussion—not just the initial construction budget.
Why is the Request for Proposal (RFP) process so important in lab design?
The RFP stage sets the tone for your entire project. According to MBH senior project architect Eddie Hall, a generic or vague proposal is a red flag. Strong communication, thoughtful responses, and a clear understanding of your project needs during this early phase signal that an architect is invested and capable of managing the lab design process effectively.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right architect for your lab design project is more than a logistical decision—it’s a strategic one. The right partner will translate your operational needs into a safe, high-performance facility that supports innovation and growth.
At MBH Architects, we bring deep experience in laboratory and life science design, from biosafety labs to biotech incubators. Ready to discuss your next lab project?
